If you’re looking for a standard horror movie packed with jump scares, “The Shade” is not for you. Instead, Tyler Chipman’s debut feature is a dialogue-driven, atmospheric meditation on grief, mental illness, and the legacy of trauma-a film that’s as likely to lull you into contemplation as it is to unsettle you.
A Story of Grief, Not Ghosts
At its core, “The Shade” follows Ryan (Chris Galust), a young man navigating the aftermath of his father’s suicide while trying to hold his fractured family together. When his estranged brother returns home, haunted by a mysterious entity, the film teases supernatural horror but ultimately grounds itself in the psychological and emotional struggles of its characters. Any demonic presence is less a literal threat and more a metaphor for the darkness that grief and mental illness can cast over a family.
Naturalistic Performances and World-Building
Chris Galust’s performance as Ryan is a standout, drawing comparisons to a young Leonardo DiCaprio for his naturalism and emotional depth. The supporting cast, including Laura Benanti and Dylan McTee, bring authenticity to the family dynamic, making the world of “The Shade” feel lived-in and real. The dialogue is understated and believable, with scenes often unfolding like candid home videos rather than scripted drama.
Atmosphere Over Action
Chipman and cinematographer Tom Fitzgerald create a mood of creeping dread, using foggy streets, autumnal landscapes, and dimly lit interiors to mirror the characters’ internal struggles. The pacing is deliberate-some might say glacial-with long stretches of introspection punctuated by brief, unsettling encounters with the film’s “hag” figure. For some, this slow burn is immersive and rewarding; for others, it may feel tedious or overlong.
Themes That Linger
“The Shade” is less about resolving its mysteries than about immersing the viewer in the emotional reality of its characters. The film’s ambiguity-whether the haunting is supernatural or psychological-invites interpretation and reflection. Its ending, which chooses hope over despair, feels earned, offering a rare sense of resilience in a genre often defined by nihilism.
Final Thoughts
“The Shade” is a divisive film: you’ll either find yourself absorbed by its moody, empathetic portrait of loss, or frustrated by its lack of traditional thrills and narrative momentum. But for those willing to meet it on its own terms, it’s a beautifully crafted, emotionally resonant debut that lingers long after the credits roll. If you’re in the mood for a smart, slow-burning character study that uses horror as a lens for real human pain, “The Shade” is worth your time.
Curious about how “The Shade” compares to other recent psychological horror films, or want to know more about its symbolism? Let me know!
Rating 2/5